6841 1930s-50s Japanese Asa(HempFlax) Fabric, Piece 57"(AraiHari)

Vintage Japanese Textiles:
1930s-1950s Asa (HempFlax) Fabric
Arai-Hari

Width: 14 inches / 35.56 cm
Length: 57"/ 144.78 cm

Catalog# 6841:

US$20.00 per piece

Fabric History/Pedigree: Pieces received from traditional Japanese kimono cleaner /reconstructor called Arai-Hari -- see an excellent explanation of traditional Arai Hari by textile expert John Marshall, by click-pushing HERE.

Fabric Description: Very lightweight, translucent, and lightly textured fabric is called Asa, flax or hemp-based traditional fabric made in Japan for centuries up until the 1960s; Asa is usually harder than silk or cotton and has utilitarian purposes such as coverings, screen mesh, work clothing; Asa is stronger and lasts longer than cotton; This particular piece is thinner, lighter and softer than most we see from this period, so it was probably intended for use in making a summer kimono or coat; as a result, this piece has more drape than usual for asa; Background color is black with designs in grays and burnished looking metallic silvers that were interwoven to create the motifs of large bamboo stalks with bamboo leaves.

Condition: Excellent for its age.